A 'laboratory only' course with open-book examinations

Traditional degree programmes are under review in many universities. In New Zealand, the trend is towards dividing unit courses into still smaller parts so that, for example, an eight- or nine-unit degree may now contain 22 or 24 courses. Subdivision according to teaching methods or educational objectives into independent 'laboratory only' and 'lecture only' courses has been operating successfully for some years at all levels of the undergraduate physics programme at the University of Waikato, and similar divisions have now appeared in other subjects. The rationale of this particular division and in particular its implications for the role of laboratory work, its objectives and its assessment is discussed.